Build-A-Bear Buzz on Break

Build-A-Bear Buzz will be taking a break until further notice.

Thank you for reading!

~Lilli Cooper

Stuffed with Hugs

Today, Build-A-Bear is holding a truly wonderful event: their annual Stuffed with Hugs day. Customers have the option of building a bear for a less fortunate someone, and the cost to the customer is null. Although Build-A-Bear limits the number of donated bears to 150 per store, that number adds up quickly: Build-A-Bear owns hundreds of stores internationally.
This year, Build-A-Bear has put a twist on the event: choose your charity. Yes, Build-A-Bear has selected four charities it considers important and reliable: Super Siblings, Sunshine Kids, Pet Shelters Across America, and FirstBook (I've made those names links so that you can view the organization's website). With this, Build-A-Bear suppports a variety of causes: children's health and wellness, pet adoption/humane education, and literacy, respectively.
This event is a great oppurtunity to teach your children about the joy of giving. Why not have your child make two bears - one for themself and one for a child in need? Or, if your children already have several Build-A-Bears, use this oppurtunity to make a bear exclusively for another child. It's also a good oppurtunity to teach your children about the cause you'll donate the bear to. Better yet, teach them about all three causes and let them decide which to give to!
Build-A-Bear is showing its caring side, and we should all support whole-heartedly. Build-A-Bear is giving its customers an oppurtunity to think of others above themselves and parents to teach and spend quality with their kids. I would support that any day.

Bears of the Past, Part I, Episode 6: Curly Bunny

Good morning! It's Lilli, and I'm here with one of the predecessors of all Build-A-Bear Bunnies: Curly Bunny!

Curly Bunny: Hi!!!!!!!
Lilli: Curly Bunny, tell us a little about yourself.
Curly Bunny: Well, I look alot like Curly Teddy. We have exactly the same fur, we're both 15 inches tall, and we both have black eyes. It just goes to show you the truth of the old saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover": though we looked the same, we had two completely different personalities!
Lilli: Tell us a little about that.
Curly Bunny: I'm really super peppy!!! (Curly's a bit more...relaxed) She liked knitting, I liked jumping...but we made a great pair. We've been BFs ever since. Anyways, I was one of two bunnies released in October of 1997: Lil' Bunny (who's BF with Curly & me) and myself. Sadly, Lil' Bunny only made it to April '98 before they retired her. She was our first retirement. After her, they introduced Fluffy Bunny, Chocolate Bunny, Lil' Bunny II, Joyful Bunny, and many others in the spring collection. There was Pawlette Coufur, introduced in 1999, and Curly Bunny II, introduced with Curly Bear II in 2002. I only lasted two years after that - I left in December of 2004. Curly Bear had been retired two years earlier, shortly after Curly Bear II arrived.
Lilli: We're out of time for today - would you mind hosting our show next week? You'd interview Floppy Teddy.
Curly Bunny: I wouldn't mind at all! Sounds like fun! See y'all next week!

Build-A-Bearville

Build-A-Bear built the perfect online haven for kids. Anyone can join. Everyone starts with the same number of bear bucks and the same possesions. Everyone works their way up the social ladder through perseverance and hard work. Along the way, kids have to make desicions about priorities: do I want to buy furniture for my cub condo, or do I want to buy this shirt? Such descisions teach children the finite quality of money. Eventually, if a child works hard, they will accumulate plenty of stuff. In the process, Build-A-Bearvillers make friends, chat safely, and have fun!

However, Build-A-Bearville recently created the concept of "Store Credit." Simply put, those users spending money at physical Build-A-Bear stores are given exclusive items on Build-A-Bearville. I'm fine with rewarding users for their already-owned Build-A-Bears, but Store Credit gives wealthy users an advantage over less-fortunate users. I don't believe this is the best idea....Build-A-Bear could maximize their profits a different way.

• "Pawsome Points" take place of "Store Credit": We know that every little bit counts, and "Store Credits" scream a message of "You need more! Buy more! Buy more! Buy more!" I could go on and on about how it could have been a good concept, but its execution (pressuring Build-A-Bearvillers to buy) wasn't the greatest. So, how can we switch "Store Credit" to something more positive? Here's my idea: teach kids the value of hard work. Anyone completing the Be 100% Pawsome promotion would recieve a promotional "code." When purchasing something at Build-A-Bear, mentioning your specific code would take 7% off your purchase amount and give you "Build-A-Bearville Pawsome Points." The catch? Use the code as often as you like, but it'll be invalid at the end of the summer. This encourages several things: hard work (to recieve a code), high purchase amounts (buy more to save more) and frequent visits (this code will expire soon, so we need to use it!). There's no pressuring for Build-A-Bearville users to buy, only to participate in Be 100% Pawsome (which is free). The "Pawsome Points" rewarded wouldn't be measured by your purchase amount - they'd be a constant amount, another reason to come back to Build-A-Bear often.

This would definately be an advantage to Build-A-Bear. No gift card or coupon manufacturing costs, no ruined reputation, and more customers! Build-A-Bear would be wise to impliment this idea.

Thanks for reading - next Tuesday, I'll post on the concept of Build-A-Bearville high score tables (and that'll be a happy article!)!

Until then!

~Lilli

Pawsome Panda arrives and Kuddly Koala gets a makover

Build-A-Bear has been rennovating their old bears lately: Black Lab, Kuddly Koala, Pawsome Panda - even Beremy has changed. They're making their bears cuter than ever, simply by changing fur length and style. It's a simply pawsome idea, and I'm all for it! So, without further ado, let's start talking about Pawsome Panda!

This panda, at only $16, is adorable! Her long, soft fur is a new addition, and the price has gone down an encouraging $9! Yet another improvement: Build-A-Bear has started advertising the fact that she looks good in almost any outfit. She's perfect for a little girl's or boy's birthday gift, her price is within a good Build-A-Bear budget, and her eyes are cute enough to melt your heart. Build-A-Bear hit the nail on the head when designing Pawsome Panda: she's the ideal gift for anyone!

Build-A-Bear fans may also have noticed the newly-designed Kuddly Koala. Though not formally announced, this bear has grown his fur out and gotten a bit chubbier! She's cuter, furrier, softer, bigger, and more huggable than ever before. If you're going to pick up Pawsome Panda, you have to pick up this bear too. They'd make a cute and huggable pair!

Build-A-Bear's improvments have made a "BANG" in the Build-A-Bear world. I can't wait to see what they'll do next!!!

Don't forget to read my blog on Tuesday for another report on current stuff!

See you then,

Lilli <3

This blog article (c) Copyright 2008 by the author of the blog.

Bears of the Past, Part I, Episode 5: Curly Bear

Good morning, Thursday readers! Today we have one of my favorite guests, Curly Bear! She was one of the original 1997 bears, too. Here she is!

Curly bear: Hello, Lilli!

Lilli: Hi, Curly Bear! I'm excited to have you on the show - you know, I'm a Curly Teddy!

Curly Bear: Awesome! I do rememer Curly Bear II - she was introduced a few months before I retired. Apperently, the Curly seiries was quite popular.

Lilli: I think so. So, what was it like being a bear back in 1997?

Curly Bear: Tons of fun! I was an average-height bear (15 inches) and helped with cheerleading for the basketball teams! That was, of course, after Maxine locked up the store and the mall was closed.

Lilli: Fun!

Curly Bear: The best part was being a bear for a little girl. I tried on so many clothes - dresses, suits, uniforms, costumes - but I liked the ballerina and cheerleader outfits the best. I guess I'm a sports bear at heart!

Lilli: What kind of books did you enjoy reading?

Curly Bear: Lilli! We wouldn't normally have books! Thankfully, we found a bookstore eventually...I guess you've heard that I went down there twice a week, huh?

Lilli: Yup! I love reading, too.

Curly Bear: It's hard to be solitary after what us bears experienced: we were a whole family with tons of fun siblings! I did only go twice a week, and only on nights when the basketball team wasn't playing. Well, my favorite books were on sports and poetry. I did like the cookbooks occasionally - the idea of non-stuffed food fascinated me - but I really liked the pictures of real athletes trying their hardest, and poetry has continued to amaze me in its beauty.

Lilli: What did you do after you retired?

Curly Bear: Oh, that was easy! On Christmas of 2002 I recieved a ballerina outfit from the rest of the bears (it was a retired one, so Maxine didn't mind our taking it) as a retirement gift. That month, I set out on my own. I first asked advice from Pink and Blue (see Bears of the Past, Part I, Episode 1) since they'd always been like parents to me. They told me to audition for New York Ballet, since I really wanted to dance! So I did. Now, I'm a proffessional.

Lilli: That's all the time we have for now. :( I'm sorry, Curly, but we'll have to wrap it up!

Curly: Bye, everyone! Thanks for reading!

(c) Copyright 2008 by the blog author.

Build-A-Bear this May

Looks like Build-A-Bear has listened to the voice of its customers. Build-A-Bear has stopped in-store promotions for Build-A-Bearville and instead is focusing on the character of the kids. Build-A-Bearville has eased up on their in-store pressuring, to let the fun of their website lure customers in. This is a huge improvement - great job, Build-A-Bear!

On that note, let's take a look at what they've scheduled for May. In Build-A-Bear Workshop, caring and sharing seem to be the theme. Whether it's a free tote for mom (with purchase, May 3&4) or donating a bear to a child in need (Stuffed with Hugs, May 17th), Build-a-Bear is nurturing the caring spirit in a child. They're sponsoring several worthy organizations through Stuffed with Hugs, the purple hearts, and Beremy's Kennel Pals. They've also updated one of their bears, and they're introducing him under a new name (therefore staying honest with customers). They've added many new gift sets, for grads and moms and more. All in all, it looks like a great month at Build-A-Bear Workshop.

I'm looking forward to Build-A-Bear's May schedule!!!

Thanks for reading my post, and tune in on Thursday to read about another bear of the past!

~Lilli

Mother's Day at Build-A-Bear Workshop

Build-A-Bear has prepared their Mother's Day celebrations with much flourish and excitement - but no bribes. Yes, it looks like Build-A-Bear won't be dependant on Build-A-Bearville after all.

Build-A-Bear brought out a terrific promotion: a Mother's Day gift for your mom if you buy $15 worth of Build-A-Bear products - MAY 3&4 ONLY. No Bear Bucks bribes, no Build-A-Bearville T-shirts....just a gift for your mom to show how much you love her. Build-A-Bear is truly returning to their family values.

So, what's the gift? Build-A-Bear has really done their very best: they've designed a quality tote without a hint of Build-A-Bear. It looks like it's from Kohl's or JC Penny's, and it's something your mom will find both fashionable and useful. Of course, if your mom isn't the tote-carrying kind, she can always go to JC Penny for a shopping spree - that's right, Build-A-Bear includes a $10 off coupon for JC Penny with every fashion tote.

These factors not only encourage children to think of others - to think of their family - but they're great business ideas. In my area, this fashion tote would be totally "in." I wouldn't be surprised if it were popular in other areas, too! Not only that, but a coupon for JC Penny provides a business partner for Build-A-Bear and customers for JC Penny (as well as customers for Build-A-Bear).

The timing is also critical. It's before anyone will leave to go out-of-town for the holiday, yet close enough for the customers to be looking for a gift. It's perfect timing, and I can't wait to see the profits!

Build-A-Bear has reinforced their promotion with the usual holiday stuff - special shipping dates, pre-assembled bears you can order online, etc. - but this promotion should really boost their sales. I'm glad Build-A-Bear is having this promotion, and if I were available this weekend I'd go down there and spend tons of $$ at their store to support this great idea. You would be wise to do the same; Build-A-Bear needs tons of positive reinforcment!

Please contact Build-A-Bear if you are happy with this promotion, and thanks for reading my blog!!! Tune in on Tuesday to hear the May lineup for Build-A-Bear, and on Thursday we'll have a brief interview with....oh, just another bear of the past!!

Last but not least, Build-A-Bear Buzz will be shortening our articles for your sake starting this Tuesday. If you like the longer articles, please send a short note to buildabearbuzz@gmail.com - if we get enough responses, I might just start writing longer articles.

Toodeloo!

~Lilli

Bears of the Past, Part I, Episode 4: Classic Brown Teddy

Welcome back to another episode of Bears of the Past! Today, we have special guest Classic Brown Teddy with us. Good morning, Classic Brown Teddy!

Classic Brown Teddy: Good morning, Lilli! You can just call me by my nickname, Mini Caramel.
Lilli: Cute nickname! How did you get it?
Classic Brown Teddy: It was a natural fit: my fur color is the color of caramel, and at 11 inches tall I'm the smallest Build-A-Bear from the original October '97 line.
Lilli: Wow! So, what do you think of being the smallest Build-A-Bear from the original group?
Classic Brown Teddy: I really don't mind. People are always getting fed up about "I'm so short!" or "I'm so tall!" or "I'm just average and nothing exciting," but there are advantages to all heights. The boy bears were always trying to get the rest of us into tight places (vents and such) and I came in handy as a scout. It was really a ton of fun.
Lilli: I bet you were glad to be short!
Classic Brown Teddy: You bet I was! Nevertheless, the tall bears also had advantages. At night, they'd sometimes get out the sports accessories and play basketball or baseball.
Lilli: LOL! Were the games fairly exciting?
Classic Brown Teddy: They were HILARIOUS! We'd never seen a basketball game - we only heard customers talk about them - so we had to make up our own rules. We didn't start playing with a ball until a few months after we started the basketball games - that's how oblivious we were!
Lilli: So, what made you start playing with a ball?
Classic Brown Teddy: Well, Black Bear was always into sports, so he eventually found a sports store in our mall. After alot of talking to the various balls and jerseys, we found out that they knew ALOT about sports. They helped us modify our rules to fit the standard rules. Did you know, Black Bear is now the coach of the Chicago Bears' Mascot?
Lilli: Actually, yes. I interviewed him a few weeks ago (click here to view the post).
Classic Brown Teddy: Oh, Black Bear. He was so sad to leave. I was there, you know - I didn't retire until February of 2003. By 2003, however, I'd seen so much (alot happens in six years!): the first Build-A-Bear panda and monkey (before World Wildlife Fund) and the first World Wildlife Fund bears; the first Beremy's Kennal Pal and the first Valentine's Day bear; the introduction of Beremy and the debut of Pawlette Coufur; the replacements of many of my friends - I was ready to leave. I retired to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and have been running a small knitting business ever since. I keep in touch with my old friends and stay updated on Build-A-Bear, but that's about it. Oh, and I read your blog as often as I can!
Lilli: Wow, Mini Caramel! You have seen alot! I'm glad you read my blog, too. But before you go, would you care to tell our readers about Build-A-Bear's Mother's Day promotion?
Classic Brown Teddy: Yes! Although I've never been a mother myself (I stayed single through my bear years), I am really excited about this year's Mother's Day promotion, May 3rd-4th. Like Lilli, I was disappointed in the declining Build-A-Bear values due to Build-A-Bearville. However, this promotion is a pioneer-of-sorts: it's the first "no strings attached" promotion. Buy $15 worth of Build-A-Bear stuff and get a free fashion tote for your mom. Not 5,000 Bear Bucks and a fashion tote, not 100 Bear Bucks and a fashion tote - for once, Build-A-Bear is encouraging children to think of others more than themselves.
Lilli: What a great promotion.
Classic Brown Teddy: I'll see you later, Lilli!
Lilli: Bye, Mini Caramel!

This post Copyright (c) 2008 by the writer of the post.